Cliff Stearns Holding Service Academy Event in Ocala

Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns will be holding an event at Westport High School in Ocala on Monday for high school students interested in attending one of the service academies -- the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy.

The application process for a service academy is up to 18 months, so it is best to start early, said Stearns on Tuesday.Those receiving an appointment will receive the equivalent of a $400,000 scholarship and will benefit from one of the best educations available.

There will be staff and students from the academies at the event which begins at 7 p.m.